Look | Spring Coming Soon

01

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—01. Love the natural tones with a pop of red, or two.

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The last couple of days have definitely made spring and summer feel like they are as close as they’ve ever been. While I haven’t broken out short pants yet this season, it could be doable with a couple of upper layers to keep you warm. I love the red, natural and navy tones from the Wilson sweat, the EG madras and the indigo fatigue shorts. The hickory striped Sassafras jacket could easily be thrown in the Mills tote bag if it gets that much warmer.

—Inventory Stockroom

Sassafras Spring Shirts

I couldn't help but post more Sassafras this week as some of their spring shirting just arrived at the Utility Coop. Fortunately, it's easy to check out of this Japanese website with an email to the shop, so it's not that far out of reach. The Feel Sun Shirt is back again along with a handful of other great looking pieces. Plaids, micro corduroy, cotton oxford and a nylon/cotton mix make up most of the delivery in a couple favorable styles. I personally love the long front pockets on the Fee Sun Shirt as I think it offers something you really don't see from another brand. While at glance the Sassasfras shirts appear to be simple enough, the construction, pocket detailing and fabrics definitely set them apart from other brands. —

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Sassafras Sun Pants

Sassafras have unofficially become my favorite brand that I haven't been able to try on. We had a very small glimpse at some pants last fall in Tokyo, but weren't able to find much of a selection while trekking through the city. The pant offerings from Sassafras definitely hit some of their gardening references quite thoroughly but it's these Feel Sun pants that have obvious affiliation to the fatigue pant, but feel quite unique. The way the pockets sit on the front look really great to me, as well as the color and general cut of the leg. The button flap pockets in the back are perfect and the waist band offers an neat little stitching detail, although I think they look better belted as seen in the first image. —

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Sassafras Fall–Winter

Sassafras was not an easy brand to find, even in Japan. We only came across a few pieces at the Mountain Research store, but otherwise it escaped our grasp. The Utility Co-op remains to be the only place where we can buy it online from North America, however we can have a look at a handful of their fall items nicely styled here. This definitely is a look that I find myself wearing in the fall. Fatigue pants, low cut boots, wool or knit vests, chambray or oxfords and a nice chore jacket or barn coat on top. The look can be achieved through other collections: EG, Post Overalls, Garbstore, RRL – but it comes down to how you personally put pieces together. I feel this is a nice and simple way to pull off a casual 'work wear' look that works well. —

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Sassafras Sun Shirt

Sassafras continues to be an elusive Japanese brand that is still out of our reach. We haven't been able to track it down in Tokyo yet and just as our frustration set in, Doo Bop received a couple items from the gardening inspired brand. The Feel Sun shirt is my favorite from this fall's offering. With the usual unique pocket details and a great red tonal pattern, it looks really nice. The white buttons and tab collar are nice finishing touches on the nicely tweaked classic. It would work nicely as an over shirt and be great layered below a khaki or olive when the weather gets a bit cooler. —

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Sassafras 'Green Thumb' Shirt

Speaking of shirts with a chest pocket flap, some of my favorite Japanese only retailers are receiving some spring items including this Sassafras 'Green Thumb' shirt. I'm not exactly sure why it's called that, but I am pretty sure the shirt looks pretty nice. I like the stitching details along the back for a subtle twist on a pretty basic shirt. While plaids and patterns aren't going anywhere any time soon, I am leaning towards more micro patterns these days rather than the big more obvious patterns. It offers a casual shirt that isn't just monochrome, but it's still not as loud and can work better with more combinations of pants, vests and jackets.

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Sassafras Pot Pocket Coat

I have been really finding denim and chore jackets appealing these days in particular. I missed a really nice looking worn Ralph Lauren piece on eBay and it seems like since then the desire has been building. This 'Pot Pocket' jacket by Sassafras is almost perfect. There seems to be a missing chest pocket for my perfect version, but this one looks pretty close. I'm also not usually a fan of white contrast stitching on the indigo denim but in the picture of the model I didn't even notice it really. Paired up with a white oxford, chinos and likely a nice pair of boots - you're set. Sometimes it can be that simple. I have often felt like my outfit might be a bit boring with a simple ensemble like this but it does look good. Sometimes the simplicity is what you need and can even still let you stand out when all put together properly.

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